By Team Mangalorean Udupi
with file pics and from various sources

Beltangady : For the first time in history,  H D Kumaraswamy, a former chief minister, and then-chief minister B S Yeddyurappa, both arrived in Dharmasthala on June 27 for an oath. A year since the political acrobatics neither of them has come out stronger. 

In June 13, 2011 at a function held in Hubli, then-CM Yeddyurappa had spoken against  Deve Gowda and his family saying that only  two parties, Congress and the BJP  must survive. 

Kumaraswamy the next day issued a statement saying, all the CM's rhetoric apart, Yeddyurappa and his close confidant MLC Lehar Singh had approached him for a compromise.

Yeddyurappa, on the other hand, while undergoing treatment in Kottakkal in Kerala issued press statements from there itself saying that he had not sent anybody for a patch-up.   He later said, "Kumarswamy and his family members are liars. Although there is a court for giving justice, that may be delayed.  Hence I challenge Kumaraswamy to declared it under oath that I had approached him for a compromise. I would swear it was not true."

Kumaraswamy accepting the challenge replied that he was ready to swear the very next day in Dharmasthala.  Yeddyurappa fixed June 27 to be  the day for it.  Kumaraswamy readily agreed.  But later, Yeddyurappa, considering the possible effects of the swearing, pressure from the Math heads, senior leaders of the party, and also sensing the dissatisfaction in political circles about the swearing by two prominent leaders, Yeddyurappa opted out of the swearing and said he would offer only pooja.

There was discussion and speculation over the swearing of two political heavyweights in the media, among the people, in political circles.  But when Yeddyurappa opted out, people would lose interest in the matter altogether.  Yet Kumaraswamy kept saying he would swear in any case.

When it comes to declaring anything under oath at Dharmasthala, both parties have to inform in advance  to the Kshetra about their swearing.   It is a common belief that Lord Manjunath will never forget the word given in his presence. Once sworn, there is no penitence for it. Mere reference to swearing or verbal combat is pardonable.

But if the swearing is borne with untruth, it has no forgiveness and is beyond penitence. The effect of swearing is permanent. There is a rule that swearing is done within certain sentences.

Although Yeddyurappa and Kumaraswamy came to Dharmasthala on June 27,  the swearing did not materialize. While Kumaraswamy handed over his letter to Dr Veerendra Heggade, Yeddyurappa did not offer the gifts accompanying the oath.

Within 3 days, the court empowered committee (CEC) submitted its report on mining irregularities. Consequently, Yeddyurappa had to resign within 3 months of the swearing episode.   He had to go to jail.  He was restless without power and position after being released from jail.  

Although Yeddyurappa himself planted Sadananda Gowda in his seat, he felt as though he planted thorns there.  He tried desperately to get rid of Sadananda Gowda over the following months.   His supporters, who were pillars of strength too went to jail.  All of BSY's efforts failed, and his own supporters in high command dropped him like a hot brick.

Both Yeddyurappa and Kumaraswamy got fed up with issues such as courts, trials, math heads, supporters and the like.  After his resignation, Yeddyurappa came to Dharmasthala for offering his penitence, but yet bad luck does not stop nagging him.

Although there is no direct link between him and Lord Manjunath and Dharmasthala,  Yeddyurappa brought his own misdemeanours to the Kshetra. As a result he had to face the music in differently severe ways.

Both Yeddyurappa and Kumaraswamy came to Dharmasthala as devotees.  But devotees often kept reminding them :  "Manjunath will never forget".  This belief acquired more strength here among the people that one should not be nonsensical in religious matters, however mighty he is. The Lord is the Lord after all.

• Mangalore: Text of Kumaraswamy's Submission of Truth - Full Points Earned
• Dateline Dharmasthala: It’s Plain Darshan, No Truth Test for BSY and HDK
• Dharmasthala: Yeddy and Kumar won't Face Each Other, 'GOD PROMISE'!